The Artem who was my brother died the moment he chose to betray me.
And the man lying on my office floor is merely the shell he left behind.
Chapter Twenty
Elena
The smile on my face disappears the moment I step outside.
One moment, I’m talking with Tatiana and trying not to think about how distant Leonid has been since he found out about Artem’s betrayal a week ago.
The next, I’m staring at three unfamiliar men standing around my car. They’re all dressed in black suits, and they have the murderous eyes most of Leonid’s men do.
I blink in confusion, then tilt my head toward the one opening the back door of the car for me. “Who’re you?”
“Dimitri Volkov, ma’am. Your new bodyguard,” he answers. His English is good, but he has a deep Russian accent just like most of the other men.
“And the other guys?”
He points toward the one in the driver’s seat. “Sergei.” Then to the one standing behind the car. “And Nikolai. We’ll be in charge of your logistics and security from now on.”
My heart sinks into my stomach because there’s only one person arrogant enough to make a decision like this without consulting me.
Leonid.
I turn to Tatiana and narrow my eyes. She doesn’t seem the least bit surprised at this development. Of course, Leonid must’ve discussed this with her first, and neither of them thought to ask for my opinion before making the decision on my behalf.
Fury rushes through me. “What’s this?”
“Your new bodyguards. After the issue with Artem, Leonid decided to tighten security in the mansion.” She pausesand sighs. “That included doubling security for his wife and sister as well.”
His wife.
We’ve been married for months now, so I’m already used to the word, yet my heart flutters each time I’m referred to as Leonid’s wife.
Focus, Elena. That’s not important right now.
I kill the excitement rippling through me and focus only on the anger. Leonid and I have been through this before. I know how much of a threat Vasili is and how overprotective my husband can be, but I’d rather be consulted before decisions about my safety are made.
I cross my arms over my chest. “And where’s this husband of mine?”
“He’s—”
“Don’t worry, I’ll find him myself.” I spin on my heel and storm back inside. I already know where Leonid is. Although he’s chosen to keep his distance from me while mourning the death of the man he loved like a brother, he still sneaks into the bedroom when he thinks I’m asleep at night and goes back to his home office before I wake up in the morning.
I practically fly up the stairs and kick the door to the home office open. Just like I expected, my husband sits behind his desk, looking at something on his computer.
“What’s all the commotion about?” he asks without looking up, as if he’s been anticipating my reaction.
“What’s delegating three new bodyguards to me without my permission about?” I shoot back, kicking the door closed before walking to his desk and leaning over it.
He finally glances up at me, his steel gray eyes piercing right into mine. “You’re my wife. I don’t need your permission to keep you safe.”
“You’re right,” I oblige, bobbing my head up and down. “I’m your wife. Not your child, not your prisoner, and definitely not one of your shipments. You agreed to consult me before making any decisions that involve me.”
He runs a hand over his head, and I almost stumble over my thoughts because of how insanely hot he is.
God, I need to take a lesson on how to stay focused.
